Jewish Reggae Star Matisyahu Shaved His Trademark Beard

Hasidic Reggae superstar on Tuesday tweeted a photo of him without his trademark long beard. After if follows a tweet which reads, “At the break of day I look for you at sunrise When the tide comes in I lose my disguise.”  a line taken from "Thunder," a song off his album "Light".


On a blog posted on his website he later wrote, "No more Chassidic reggae superstar. Sorry folks, all you get is me…no alias.

Jah Cure in Dubai: Talks Collaborating With Arabs And Why "World Cry" is Delayed

Jah Cure who on Tuesday wrapped filming of his new video for "Looking At Me" in Dubai granted a rare and candid interview to the country's news outlet  The National. In it the reggae artist talks about possibly collaborating with Arab artists, and why "World Cry" is so long delayed.


"The song, which I co-wrote is called Looking At Me because people look at you for different reasons - because you're a star, or you dress nice. It might be the way you talk, what you drive or the way you are living," he said, with an unmistakable Jamaican accent. "So, I see you looking at me. It's a simple concept like everyday things." Cure said.

Statement from Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Limited on Lawsuit Against Bob Marley's Brother

Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Limited the entity managed and operated by Bob Marley's heirs, which includes his widow Rita Marley and Bob's children has released an official statement on their current legal battle with Bob Marley's half brother, Richard Booker.


The release while acknowledging the lawsuit filed against Booker states that its reason is to "protect the Marley name and to prevent consumer confusion." It is the company's duty to ensure that "all authorized uses of Bob Marley's name and likeness are licensed and approved as to style, quality and safety guidelines."

New Zealand Reggae Band "The Black Seeds" Invite Fans To Sing On New Album

Not too often random fans can get the opportunity to be featured on a musician's album, hence why one of New Zealand's biggest reggae band, The Black Seeds have taken the initiative.


The Black Seeds are inviting fans to sing on their forthcoming new studio album. The band is looking to create a big group vocal sound on a track off the upcoming album. 

RIP: Legendary Producer Philip "Fatis" Burrell

Legendary producer Phillip "Fatis" Burrell who was very influential in nurturing the careers of Sizzla, Sugar Minott and Luciano, was reported to have passed away early this morning by some friends, family and media personnel. However, our investigations of this report is contrary to that.


Fatis was admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies (Jamaica) over two weeks ago after suffering a stroke. However, since being admitted, his condition gradually became worst to the point that he fell into a state of coma.

Bob Marley's Heirs File Lawsuit Against His Half-Brother Citing Copyright and Trademark Infringement

Bob Marley's widow, Rita Marley and their children are back in court again to protect the Marley trademark and copyright. This time, it is a lawsuit against Bob Marley's half brother, Richard Booker.


The suit was filed in a federal court on Thursday, and it contends that businessman Richard Booker and companies he is affiliated with are using Bob Marley's image, music and other of the deceased reggae icon's intellectual property without authorization from the Marley heirs.

I-Octane: "These Songs Are Definitely Straight From my Heart to my Fans."

As the release date for I-Octane's EP "Straight From The Heart" draws closer, the Reggae artist wants to reassure his fans why this project is not only very special to him, but is also made specially for his fans.


"As an artist we spend so much time on the go and our interaction with our fans is so limited for so many reasons. Therefore, many times I take the opportunity while singing to speak to my fans and be a voice for my fans. On this EP I went in depth and sang about the unfortunate situations when friends turn their backs on you, Falling in

The Ever Vibrant Reggae Band 'Dubtonic Kru" Hits The US East Coast

Global Battle of the Bands Champion, Dubtonic Kru is currently touring the east coast of the USA. The ever vibrant reggae band will be bringing their Reggae Evolution Tour to the east coast from November 2 to 11.


Peep dates and locations below:

Bob Marley Exodus Tops Survey of Celebrity Head Phones

The House of Marley designed Marley Exodus headphone was recently voted number one among celebrity headphones by a panel of expert listener judges. The survey was conducted by popular Home audio and video magazine Sound & Vision who set out to see if some of these new celebrity branded headphones are really any good, and deserving of people's hard earned money.

NEW VIDEO: I-Octane Ft Versatile - Enemy Yard/Nah Eat

Video inside...

NEW VIDEO: Aidonia - Summer Song/One More Gyal

Video inside....

Celtic legend recalls Bob Marley's vast knowledge of football

It is no surprise that probably had it not been for Bob Marley's immense talent as a musician he would be deeply involved in football either as a player or coach.

Celtic legend Dixie Deans in his autobiography recalls meeting Bob Marley for the first time and how impressed he was at how much the reggae icon knew about him, the sport and his team.

Deans confessed he didn't know who Bob Marley was when Marley walked up to him at Adelaide City then asked, "Are you the Dixie Deans who used to play for Celtic?"

Jamaica to bestow high award on Dennis Brown

On October 17th when the Jamaican people celebrate their Heroes Day, they will be awarding the crown prince of reggae music, Dennis Brown the 'Order of Distinction'.


This is an honor that will be posthumously awarded to Brown because of his decades of contribution to the growth and development of reggae music and the Jamaican culture.

Buju Banton will Finish his Prison Sentence in Texas

The torments of Buju Banton seems to have no end in sight. Since his conviction he was expected to serve his sentence in Florida, but due to a reported shortage of beds he was expected to be moved to Mississippi. However, it is official that Buju banton will serve the remainder of his sentence at the Limestone County Correctional Institution in Groesbeck, Texas.


Banton was airlifted from the Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City on Friday en-route to the Limestone County Correctional Institution in Texas where he is expected to begin serving his ten year prison sentence.

Gregory Isaacs and Sugar Minott's Reggae Anthology Collections for October 2011

The vintage arm of VP Records, 17 North Parade will be releasing a reggae anthology collections for the cool ruler Gregory Isaacs and Sugar Minott.


The albums titled 'Gregory Isaacs’ The Ruler 1972-1990' - (October 24) and 'Sugar Minott’s Hard Time Pressure' - (October 18) will capture the essence of their music, message and style. Each collection will contain 2 CDs, bonus DVD and an original deluxe packaging that includes extensive liner notes and exclusive archival footage and photos of the late reggae legends.

Buju Banton's release date set for Februrary 2019

Buju Banton though still listed as 'In Transit' has had his release date set at February, 2019 by the Bureau of Prisons.


This release date for the reggae star was set based on time he already served on his original ten year sentence handed down after his guilty verdict in February.

Australia's Favorite Reggae Festival Cancelled for 2012

McManus Entertainment, promoters of one of Australia's biggest reggae festival, Raggamuffin; has announced that the festival will be taking a break for 2012 but promises bigger and better when it returns the following year.

Reggae Legend gives Nirvana tracks a Reggae Sound

Living Jamaican reggae legend Little Roy has joined forces with Prince Fatty and Mutant Hi-Fi to put a reggae spin on some of Nirvana's hits with 'Battle For Seattle' album.


'Battle for Seattle' will be Little Roy's take on 10 of the rock band's classics. All the tracks will have an authentic roots reggae sound and will feature many reggae veterans including Wailers guitarist Junior Marvin.

THE GRAMMY Museum ®​ : Offering a Fabulous Evening of DINNER AND BOB MARLEY

On May 11, 2011, The GRAMMY Museum debuted a new exhibit, Bob Marley, Messenger. Housed on the Museum's second floor, the exhibit focuses on Bob Marley as a private, spiritual man, as a powerful performer who used his lyrics to give a voice to the disenfranchised and as a legend who has inspired legions of fans in the 30 years since his death. Bringing together more than 40 diverse artifacts, rare photographs and more, the exhibit features items from the private collection of the Marley family.

'Ghana's Bob Marley' spreads message of brotherhood : A CNN feature on Rocky Dawuni

Every week CNN International highlights some of Africa's trailblazers, and people with the most engaging personality through African Voices. It gives people across the world an opportunity to explore the lives and passions of interesting people who rarely open themselves up to the camera.


This time African Voices brought to us one of reggae music's finest musicians Rocky Dawuni who hailes from Ghana.


Below is CNN's African Voices full interview with an always pleasant, Rocky Dawuni. Sit back and fulljoy!

UPDATE: Sizzla 'as strong and resilient as his message is'

Reggae artist Sizzla Kalonji up to this morning was listed in critical, but stable condition; as his doctors continue to work hard to ensure the artist makes a full recovery.


According to Sizzla's publicist "as strong and resilient as his messages, we look forward to seeing him on a powerful journey towards healing. He is surrounded by lots of love from his family and friends. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. The family is pleased with the outpouring of love that has been coming from all over the island and internationally."

Sizzla hospitalized after crashing his motor bike

Reggae artist Sizzla Kalonji is currently in the hospital after his motor cycle crashed into a bus in Mount Salem, St. Ann, Jamaica.


So far his only reported injury is a broken collar bone with internal bleeding. His condition is reportedly serious, but stable.


DEVELOPING........

Jah Cure Heads to Zimbabwe on the country's 'Celebrity Host Programme'

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and London-based Zimbabwean entertainment company Sparks Entertainment is currently working together to host a Jah Cure concert in Zimbabwe.

First collection of eco-friendly 'Marley' headphones launched

The House of Marley has today (August 18) announced the launch of its first collection of highly anticipated MARLEY branded headphones, in the UK. The eco-friendly audi devices will be available in HMV stores throughout the UK, independent action sports specialist retailers and other leading retailers in early autumn 2011.

All lines of the audio products have been made from eco-friendly materials that embody the Marley Family's value of equality, unity, authenticity, sustainability and charity. 

NEW VIDEO: Mavado Ft Chase Cross - Burnin Up/Yes I Am [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Mavado teams up with his cousin Chase Cross on the Spit Fire Riddim with "Burnin Up" and "Yes I Am"

VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP

Beenie Man to Receive Official Proclamation by US Councilman

On Labor Day Sunday, September 4, 2011 the self-proclaimed 'Dancehall King' Beenie Man will be presented with a proclamation from US Councilman Leroy Comrie, for over three decades of outstanding contribution to the reggae music industry.


The official presentation will take place at the inaugural Reggae Rhythm & Blues Concert slated for Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York

Win Tickets to see Jimmy Cliff live performance at the IndigO2

Jimmy Cliff will be playing at the IndigO2 on September 3, his major London show in 10 years.

Cliff is a potent musical force, recognised globally for his contribution to film and music.

The show at the famous venue in The O2, will feature performances of all of his greatest hits, including You Can Get It If You Really Want, Sitting in Limbo and I Can See Clearly Now.

If you know the name of the Caribbean island that Jimmy Cliff is from, then you could be a winner.

GET FULL DETAILS HERE

Jimmy Cliff working on new album with Punk Rocker Tim Armstrong of Rancid [New Song Inside]

Reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff is hard at work on his new EP and album with Tim Armstrong of the acclaimed punk rock band Rancid. The EP which is expected to be released in November, will notably include a cover of The Clash's "The Guns of Brixton". 

GREAT INTERVIEW: Jimmy Cliff on the ignorance of skin bleaching and the sexual explicitness of dancehall

Reggae star Jimmy Cliff talks to Davina Hamilton about the ‘ignorance’ of skin bleaching and the sexual explicitness of dancehall

Written by Davina Hamilton 
11/08/2011 11:08 AM

BEHIND his softly spoken exterior, Jimmy Cliff is a man with much to say. Mind you, with a career that’s spanned over four decades, it’s no surprise that the reggae veteran has seen plenty, done plenty and formed many opinions.

Third World heads to New York to pay homage to Marcus Mosiah Garvey

New York, NY (August 11, 2011):  Just one look at their resume and body of work and it is exceedingly clear that Third World has continued to stake their claim in reggae music. Easily recognizable by chart topping singles such as "96 Degrees," "Now That We've Found Love," (both currently on the top 100 Billboard Charts), "Reggae Ambassadors," among others, this reggae dynasty continues to break new ground with their 23^rd album Patriots, currently number two on the Jamaica Music Countdown charts.

Buju Banton Moved to Mississippi Prison

Grammy winning reggae artist Buju Banton is about to be transferred from the Pinellas County Jail in Florida to The Adams County Prison in Natchez, Mississippi. US officials have claimed that the reason for his move is due to a current shortage of bed to accommodate the entertainer.

Toots and the Maytals Celebrate 50 Years with Headline UK tour featuring Jimmy Cliff

Celebrating 50 years as one of the worlds absolute loved ska and reggae groups, the legendary Toots and The Maytals are set to play the biggest UK tour of their illustrious career when they team up with legendary reggae icon and actor Jimmy Cliff in August and September 2011.


Led by the charismatic Toots Hibbert, The Maytals who started in Kingston, Jamaica in 1961 and would do as much as any artist to popularise the reggae sound. 

NEW VIDEO: Chimpunk and Sneakbo with Mavado on 'Starboy Remix'

VIDEO INSIDE

Reggae Star I-Octane Among Billboard Magazine's 'Top 15 Artist on the Indie Scene'

Since ascending to reggae's upper echelon in July 2010 with a compelling performance at Jamaica's biggest reggae festival, 'Reggae Sumfest' Jamaica's reggae star I-Octane continues to create waves ever since. Impressing both the Jamaican and internationally scene, he has repeatedly caught the attention of many major music and media publications such as Vibe and Billboard Magazine. This time he has been chosen among Stephen Colbert and other impressive indie artist in Billboard Magazine's '15 Artist Impacting the Indie Scene'.

UK Reggae Band UB40 Moves Closer Towards Being Declared Bankrupt

A judge in Birmingham said bankruptcy proceedings could go ahead involving Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, Terence Wilson, Norman Hassan and James Brown, all members of the famed UK reggae band, UB40.

Damian Marley's new band 'SuperHeavy' Previews Album and Ponders Tour in Los Angeles

Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, Joss Stone, AR Rahman and Damian Marley got together at L.A.'s Jim Henson Studios on Thursday to preview their new SuperHeavy album and talk to a few invited guests about one of the most anticipated records of the fall.

The hour-long listening session began with a short documentary showing the band recording at Henson Studios, before the invited guests got a taste of what it sounds like when cultures, genres and generations gather together for a supergroup.

Damian Marley's new band & Mick Jagger's brainchild 'SuperHeavy' to drop album this fall

The album from SuperHeavy, a group which features Mick Jagger, reggae artist Damian Marley, Eurythmics founder Dave Stewart, singer Joss Stone and composer A.R. Rahman will be released on Universal Music as early as this fall. However, no exact release date has been set yet. 

Buju Banton gets Sentenced to 10 Years

After returning to the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in Tampa, Florida this morning, Buju Banton has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.


Banton got less than the expected 15 years mandatory sentence.


In the past weeks Buju has received letters of support from Stephen Marley son of Bob Marley, a NBA baller and hollywood actor Danny Glover who called Banton a "role model, philanthropist and spiritual leader in the community".

Ziggy Marley, "Dad taught us discipline, ruggedness and survivability"

For Father's Day, Ziggy Marley opened up and reflects on how aggressive and stern a disciplinarian his father Bob Marley was.


The 43-year-old has opened up about life with his father in an interview with US website The Daily Beast.


"You’d get a spanking or a good whipping with the belt if you didn’t listen carefully", said Ziggy.

Julian "Ju Ju" Marley and his Band "The Uprising" Performing in Greece

Julian “Ju Ju” Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, will be bringing his band ‘The Uprising” to Greece this August. Julian Marley who will be touring throughout Europe on his ‘Awake ‘ world tour, will be performing in Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Morocco, Poland, Israel and Portugal. He has also extended his tour to include performances in Greece at venues on Santorini, Ios, Naxsos, Antiparos, Aigina, and in Nemea, Erateini, New Makri, Kulini and Aeropoli.

Buju Banton Gets Letter of Support From NBA Baller, Hollywood Actor Danny Glover and Stephen Marley

Legendary Hollywood actor Danny Glover and the son of Reggae legend Bob Marley, Stephen Marley have both voiced their support for 2010 Grammy winner Buju Banton, who currently awaits sentencing on drug trafficking charges.


The Jamaican singer was convicted in February in Tampa federal court of conspiring to set up a cocaine deal in 2009. He faces a mandatory minimum 15-year prison sentence.

Original Fathers of Reggae “The Legendary Cables” Perform at Sierra Nevada World Music Festival

The true reggae connoisseur and enthusiast will remember with great joy the famous Studio One sound that produced the beginnings of reggae back in the late 1960’s. Those music lovers were the ones swaying, listening and dancing to the sounds of “The Cables” back in the day. With their phenomenal sound “The Cables” can boast timeless wonders like “Baby Why”, “What Kind of World” and “No More Heartache”. These great songs still grace the sound systems today, in 2011, at reggae sessions worldwide. 

Mick Jagger's (Secret) Solo Project and Supergroup Could Include Damian Marley

Legendary rocker and Rolling Stone's front-man Mick Jagger has officially announced his solo project in which he is expected to collaborate with Damian Marley, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart among other big names in music.


The New York Post got confirmation this week from a representative in Jagger's camp that the project is in the works. 

Buju Banton's Co-Accused Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison Despite Co-operating with Prosecutors

Ian Thomas the co-accused in the case raised against reggae star Buju Banton, was yesterday sentenced to 51 months ( 4 1/4 years) in prison at a federal court in Tampa, Florida.

Thomas' sentence far exceeds the 8 months he requested in court documents last week after co-operating with the prosecution against  Buju Banton.

According to papers filed in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court last Friday. Mr. Thomas "requests that the court deem a sentence of 18 months more than reasonable in this case".

Jimmy Fallon Celebrates 'Bob Marley Week' on NBC, Featuring Ziggy Marley, Jennifer Hudson, Lenny Kravitz & More

NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon will be paying tribute to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of reggae legend and icon Bob Marley in a week long celebration. The tribute to Marley, which begins May 9, will feature live performances and interview with Ziggy Marley, Chris Cornell,Jennifer Hudson, Jakob Dylan and Lenny Kravitz.

The GRAMMY Museum to Debut New Exhibit, "Bob Marley, The Messenger"

On May 11, 2011, The GRAMMY Museum will debut a new exhibit, Bob Marley, Messenger. Housed on the Museum's second floor, the exhibit will focus on Bob Marley as a private, spiritual man, as a powerful performer who used his lyrics to give a voice to the disenfranchised and as a legend who has inspired legions of fans in the 30 years since his death. Bringing together more than 40 diverse artifacts, rare photographs and more, the exhibit features items from the private collection of the Marley family.

Nas & Damian Marley's Full LIVE Coachella Set --- Sunday April 17, 2011 [HD Video]

VIDEO INSIDE

Taj Weekes & Adowa Offer Free Download of "DRILL" to Commemorate the one-year Anniversary of the BP Gulf oil Spill

Reggae Artist Taj Weekes and his band Adowa marked the one-year anniversary of the British Petroleum Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill by giving away a Free Download  of their incisive ballad, "Drill". The free download will only be available for one week starting Wednesday, April 20, 2011 on Taj Weekes’ website. 

It is a year ago Weekes was in studio recording his latest CD release, A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, when news of the disaster flooded the nation's media. During a break in one of the late-night sessions, Weekes picked up a newspaper article on the spill. "I was astounded by the sheer magnitude of the numbers… very quickly the lyrics started to form themselves," he recounts. "94 planes, 6000 ships, 3 million feet of boom/35,000 people to help clean up this gloom/drill, baby drill, baby drill…"

Talks of a Tribute Concert for Smiley Culture Possibly Featuring Nas, Sade, David Bowie and More

Merlin Emmanuel, the nephew of UK Reggae artist Smiley Culture who died in police custody in March, is reportedly in the process of organizing and planning a tribute concert for the late singer. 


He told the Streatham Guardian: “We are in talks with Nas, Sade, David Bowie, Jessie J and others. I actually have a meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) to decide on the venue and date.”


The concert will not only be a tribute to Merlin's uncle, but also a tribute to those who have died in police custody in recent years, according to reports.

West Virginian Cafe Claims Trademark Infringement on Marley's "Mellow Mood" Drink

The Marley family is back in court again, this time it is for their latest drink/tea branded "Marley's Mellow Mood".


A cafe located in Sheperdstown, West Virginia is claiming trademark infringement on the new Marley drink/tea and wants the Marleys to find another name. While the Marleys say it is the cafe who must find another name because they had the name first. 

Classic Reggae Inspired Movie "The Harder They Come" to be Re-Made

Classic 1972 movie "The Harder They Come", arguably Jamaica and Reggae's most successful movie to date is set to be re-made by a U.K. film production house.


Xingu Films from out of the United Kingdom along with the help of  Canada's Conquering Lion and Jamaican producer Justine Henzell are uniting to remake the film which was originally starred by legendary reggae artist Jimmy Cliff. 

In the original film Cliff played the role of an aspiring and talented reggae musician who was lured into a life of crime.